A federal court in New Hampshire has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that restricted birthright citizenship. The court has also certified a nationwide class to protect the citizenship rights of all children born on U.S. soil. Judge Joseph LaPlante made the announcement following a hearing, and a written order will follow with a seven-day stay to allow for appeal. This ruling came as a result of a nationwide class-action lawsuit filed immediately after a Supreme Court ruling that had the potential to partially enforce the executive order.

The lawsuit was brought by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of a proposed class of babies affected by the executive order. The ACLU argued successfully in court for a preliminary injunction and nationwide class certification, with a 7-day delay granted for the government to appeal. This ruling ensures that the unconstitutional order, which aimed to restrict birthright citizenship, will not be implemented, protecting the citizenship rights of all children born in the United States.

Devon Chaffee, executive director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, stated that the executive order violates the U.S. Constitution and goes against the principle that citizenship in the United States is a right by birth, not a privilege granted by politics. The court’s decision to grant nationwide class certification sends a clear message that all children born on U.S. soil are entitled to full citizenship rights and protections. This victory is crucial for families nationwide, upholding the promise of equal protection under the law.